Segment:
        
        
            Compact Crossover SUV
        
     
    
        
            Target Demographic:
        
        
            Active individuals, families, outdoor enthusiasts seeking a capable and reliable all-weather vehicle.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra.
        
     
    
        
            Unique Selling Proposition:
        
        
            Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, robust engineering, practical utility, and Subaru's reputation for durability.
        
     
    
    
        
            Powertrain:
        
        
            Subaru's Boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard.
        
     
    
        
            Design:
        
        
            Higher ground clearance than typical sedans, wagon-like practicality with SUV styling.
        
     
    
        
            Safety:
        
        
            Emphasis on all-weather traction and stability.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            Complete engine repair, overhaul, diagnosis, and specifications for all applicable engine variants.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Service and repair for both automatic (4EAT, 5EAT) and manual transmissions (5MT).
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials, driveshafts, and axles.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, and control arms.
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Disc and drum brake systems, ABS, parking brake, hydraulic circuits, and component replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system, steering rack, pump, and tie rods.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Complete electrical system, wiring diagrams, ECU, sensors, lighting, charging system, starting system, and accessories.
        
     
    
        
            Fuel System:
        
        
            Fuel pump, injectors, lines, tank, and emissions control systems.
        
     
    
        
            Cooling System:
        
        
            Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and fan operation.
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair.
        
     
    
        
            Body And Interior:
        
        
            Body panel repair, interior trim, seats, glass, and doors.
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and tune-ups.
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, including symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components.
        
     
    
        
            Overhaul:
        
        
            Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilds.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) interpretation, sensor data analysis, and fault code diagnosis.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic trees.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Code 1:
        
        
            EJ253 (2.5L SOHC)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Displacement 1:
        
        
            2498 cc (2.5 Liters)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Configuration 1:
        
        
            Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke 1:
        
        
            99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio 1:
        
        
            9.7:1
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower 1:
        
        
            165 hp @ 5,600 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque 1:
        
        
            166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Code 2:
        
        
            EJ25D (2.5L DOHC Turbocharged - Forester GT/STI)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Displacement 2:
        
        
            2457 cc (2.5 Liters)
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower 2:
        
        
            210-220 hp (approx., depending on market/trim)
        
     
    
        
            Torque 2:
        
        
            200-220 lb-ft (approx., depending on market/trim)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded gasoline
        
     
    
    
        
            ECU:
        
        
            ECU controlled ignition and fuel injection.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Std:
        
        
            5-Speed Manual (5MT)
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Type Opt:
        
        
            4-Speed Automatic (4EAT), later models may have 5-Speed Automatic (5EAT)
        
     
    
    
        
            Drivetrain Layout:
        
        
            Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Standard on all models)
        
     
    
        
            AWD System:
        
        
            Viscous coupling limited-slip center differential with driver-selectable low range (on some manual transmissions).
        
     
    
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            Subaru ATF (or Dexron II/III compatible)
        
     
    
        
            Manual Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            GL-5 Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 75W-90
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            4,405 mm (173.4 in)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            1,735 mm (68.3 in)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            1,570 mm (61.8 in) (non-turbo), 1,605 mm (63.2 in) (turbo)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            2,590 mm (102.0 in)
        
     
    
        
            Ground Clearance:
        
        
            195 mm (7.7 in)
        
     
    
    
    
    
        
            Cargo Volume Seats Up:
        
        
            Approx. 0.74 m³ (26.2 cu ft) (with rear seats up)
        
     
    
        
            Cargo Volume Seats Down:
        
        
            Approx. 1.68 m³ (59.4 cu ft) (with rear seats folded)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight Min:
        
        
            1,440 kg (3,175 lbs)
        
     
    
        
            Curb Weight Max:
        
        
            1,580 kg (3,483 lbs)
        
     
    
        
            Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
        
        
            Approx. 1,990 kg (4,387 lbs)
        
     
    
    
        
            Wheel Size:
        
        
            15-inch or 16-inch alloy or steel wheels
        
     
    
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Crash Test:
        
        
            ★★★★ (4-star rating)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Side Impact Test:
        
        
            ★★★★ (4-star rating)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Frontal Offset:
        
        
            Good
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Available on some models/trims
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Driver and front passenger airbags; available side airbags on later models/trims.
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
        
     
    
        
            Body Structure:
        
        
            Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first. Check owner's manual for severe driving conditions.
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter:
        
        
            Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months (if equipped).
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs, 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for platinum/copper plugs.
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement:
        
        
            Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years. Crucial for EJ25 engines to prevent catastrophic failure.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            SAE 5W-30 (API SJ or higher)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity:
        
        
            4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Subaru Super Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with long-life additives), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 7.0 US quarts (6.6 liters)
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid:
        
        
            Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid (or Dexron III/Mercon compatible)
        
     
    
    
        
            Head Gaskets:
        
        
            The EJ25SOHC (EJ253) engines are prone to head gasket failure, particularly at higher mileage. Look for coolant leaks, white smoke, or oil in coolant.
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt:
        
        
            Crucial to adhere to the timing belt replacement interval to prevent severe engine damage from belt breakage.
        
     
    
        
            Oil Leaks:
        
        
            Valve cover gaskets and oil cooler seals can leak with age.
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission:
        
        
            Some 4EAT transmissions can develop issues with solenoids or the valve body. Regular fluid changes are important.
        
     
    
        
            Wheel Bearings:
        
        
            Front wheel bearings can wear out, especially with off-road use or if hit by potholes.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Subaru Specialty:
        
        
            Subaru's reputation for building durable, reliable vehicles with a focus on all-wheel-drive technology and boxer engines.
        
     
    
    
        
            Forester Introduction:
        
        
            The Subaru Forester was introduced in 1997 as a compact crossover SUV, blending the utility of an SUV with the driving characteristics of a car.
        
     
    
        
            Sf Generation:
        
        
            The 1999-2002 models represent the latter half of the first generation (SF chassis), which received a significant facelift and powertrain updates for the 2001 model year.
        
     
    
        
            Facelift 2001:
        
        
            Updated exterior styling (headlights, grille, bumpers, hood), revised interior, and optional introduction of the 5-speed automatic transmission.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Plant:
        
        
            Ota, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
        
     
    
        
            Production Years:
        
        
            1997-2002 (First Generation)